Friday, 26 August 2016

Whether you are renovating for the first time or with limited budget, we shared the following 5 fundamental tips to consider during home renovation.

1. Utilization - Who and How?

It's up most important to decide how is the area going to be used and by whom on a daily basis. Keep this in mind to allow you to determine the layout, functionality of the area, home appliances & fittings required and furnishing. Example: You may fix storage cabinets in the dedicated storage room with less attention paid to the furnishing, but do not skimp on the cabinet quality.

2. Make the Most out of Everything

If you are working with limited and restricted area, a well thought plan is required to ensure all the space are utilized properly without compromising functionality. Example: You do not need an island in a smallish kitchen! Not only it takes up most spaces, it gets in your way thus compromise the functionality.

3. Work Within Your Budget but With Big Inspiration

Everyone has their own preferences and inspiration, collect everything and anything that inspires you to create your own style. Example: If modern and minimalist sound right to you, go with furniture of simple design and of similar colour.

4. Define Your Must Have

Install fittings and furniture of high functional and practical in high traffic area such as kitchen and living room without compromising appearance. Work from must have items and start to build from there. Example: If you spend most of your time in the living room, ensure the chosen couch meets your comfort expectation, television installed without glaring effect and a suitably matched coffee table. After you are happy with the result you may add other fittings for a touch of luxury or cozy.

5. Texture & Colour

Colour and texture are the key elements that help to create the style, feel and mood of the area. You would want to choose the right combination of colours and textures in the bedroom to create a relax and cozy environment. The same combination may not be suitable in other areas, therefore apply the suitable colour and texture element for different areas.

Thursday, 18 August 2016

If you are renovating your kitchen for the first time, chances of you making mistakes are high due to lack of experience and other variables. Follow below guide to avoid common kitchen design and remodel mistakes.

1. Workflow Planning

Keep in mind of your workflow during your planning stage, your flow should form a complete loop. Take into account of the highest traffic areas; the sink, refrigerator and stove. Make sure they are in a well-organized location and close to one another.

2. Get it Right and Future Proof

You would hope your kitchen to last for years as long as you are staying in your home. If it was built right in the first place, your kitchen will continue to serve you and add value to your home. Therefore, consider your family and lifestyle to plan your kitchen accordingly to get the most out of it; does your family cooks? Does your kitchen require to keep many kitchen appliances? How many wall sockets do you think is enough? Do you require a lot of storage space? Consider all these factors during your planning stage.

3. Plan Your Budget

Plan what are the necessities and features of your kitchen are the most important, and allocate your finances accordingly. Keep in mind that kitchen remodel takes most of your budget; it is advisable to allocate 30% of your overall budget.

4. Going DIY (Do It Yourself)

If you plan to go the DIY route, make sure you have consulted a kitchen design specialist before starting your project. A home kitchen specialist will able to offer you advice and tips, fine tuning of your plan or even better to offer further ideas you have never considered.

5. Kitchen Counter Top is a Must!

Kitchen counter top is considered one of the most important elements of your kitchen, so take time to choose the one that you like. You may further extend your counter top by means of decorative items or storage supports.

6. Consider the Big Picture

During your kitchen remodel planning stage, remember to consider these elements; wall with or without tiles and colour, flooring, cabinets, lighting and wall socket.

7. Consider the Small Picture

Don’t forget to include add-ons and storage features such as drawer dividers and roll out pantry. These are small features that would greatly increase your kitchen efficiency.

8. Choose Appliances First

Choosing appliances first would made it easier for you to choose cabinets and countertops to suit appliances like refrigerator, build in oven, stove and others, rather than the other way around.

Wednesday, 17 August 2016

Wednesday, 3 August 2016

If you find yourself in a cramped home, here are some ways to keep your things stored without contributing to a mess.

Increase bed height for Under the Bed Storage

The space under your bed is the perfect choice for items that you don’t need regularly and can be kept out of sight. Some bed comes with its raised support leg but may not be sufficiently high enough for storage. You can further increase the height by using bed riser.

Tension Rods for Additional Hanging Space

Add tension rod under your sink to create hanging space for cleaning supplies. The same can be applied in your closet, additional hanging rod for belts, clothes and anything light. The more stuff you can hang, the better. Just watch out not to hang any heavy items.

Command Hooks to Hang Objects

Use command hooks to create additional storage space. They allow you to hang things on the wall, cheap and easy to use, without leaving permanent holes or require any alterations. Turn your unused wall into storage space for bags, keys or even wifi router.

Hang Storage Racks Over Doors

Utilize your door! Use of shoe organizer behind your door for additional space. This is particularly useful to apply in your storage room door, you can use them for storing supplies, cables and anything small enough to fit the shoe organizer.

Build Shelves onto Your Walls

Apart from command hooks, a better way of creating additional space is to build shelves onto your wall. These shelves are handy and can be install onto any unused walls to create a bookshelf, storage compartment for kitchen and bathroom too.

Magnets, Magnets and Magnets!

Be creative and consider gluing magnets to your spice jars. These spice jars can then mount onto the side of your fridge to free up your kitchen shelves. The same can be applied in bathroom; mount a magnet on your wall and voila, there goes your nail clippers, hair clips and grooming tools.

Roll Out Pantry Beside Fridge

It is a waste not to use the space between your fridge and wall, why not build a roll out pantry? With a little bit of wood working skill, some wood, dowels and casters you are ready to go. Alternatively you may hire home contractor to build it for you. This additional space is ideal for food stuff, canned and boxed goods.

Use a Projector Instead of a Television

Projector offers great value when it comes to price / image size ratio. All you need is a projector and a projector screen. As an additional point, you can opt for light weight and portable screen to use it anywhere you want. Depending on projector type, some offers short throw feature and you do not need a long distance for the projectile image.